Big Bad Orange: 1969 AMC Javelin

With some classics, certain paint shades are more desirable than others. That is undoubtedly true of this 1969 AMC Javelin. Its Big Bad Orange is one of the most highly sought colors, and the car’s overall presentation is quite tidy for a survivor-grade vehicle. However, the story has a twist in its tail, and it will be fascinating to gauge how our Barn Finds readers tackle it. The seller has listed the Javelin here on eBay in Spencerport, New York. The car has received a below-reserve bid of $1,000, but there is a $5,000 BIN option for those wishing to bypass the auction process.

Launched for the 1968 model year, the Javelin was AMC’s weapon in the growing pony car market. The First Generation remained on sale until the end of 1970, with our featured car rolling off the line twelve months earlier. The company offered a broad color palette, and this car’s first owner chose Big Bad Orange. It is a bold shade that reflected trends that saw manufacturers release cars in colors like Plum Crazy and Hugger Blue. This car’s presentation is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, with no significant paint or panel shortcomings. The underside shots reveal dry surface corrosion, but I see no penetrating rust beyond what appear to be a couple of minor bubbles in the lower rear quarter panels and lower door corners. This is unsurprising, because AMC earned a well-deserved reputation for using strategies to prevent the types of problems that impacted classics like the Mustang. The trim looks respectable overall, and the glass is clear.

The Javelin is missing its headliner, but the interior looks fairly tidy. Trimmed in Charcoal vinyl, there is no significant wear or other problems beyond what I believe is a cracked dashpad. A previous owner added a later steering column and an AMX console, while aftermarket additions include a CD player and an underdash gauge cluster. If the buyer replaces the headliner and dashpad, this interior would look pretty tidy.

Below the surface is where this Javelin becomes more confusing. The first owner ordered the car with a 343ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.15 Twin Grip rear end, power steering, and power brakes. The 343 wasn’t a bad motor, delivering a factory-quoted 235hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. However, a previous owner made those figures irrelevant by bolting a 401ci powerplant and a three-speed automatic under the Javelin’s skin. That combination would improve performance, but the BIN figure doesn’t include either the V8 or transmission. It will come as a roller, although the seller would sell the vehicle as-is for an additional $12,500. There are other options, since they are a genuine Javelin enthusiast. They own a wide range of components and might have something more affordable for budget-conscious buyers. It is worth asking, because it could be an opportunity to tailor this classic to your taste.

Taken at face value, the seller’s BIN for this 1969 AMC Javelin looks dirt-cheap. However, once you consider that it is only a roller and needs a motor and transmission, it looks slightly less attractive. If you happen to have those items squirreled away in your workshop, it isn’t a problem. However, if you don’t, the costs climb considerably. The seller is willing to include the existing drivetrain for a price, but would you accept that invitation?